This Fixed My Car! BMW N54 Timing Chain DIY!

In this video I show you how to tackle your timing chains on an N54 powered BMW. I do this on my 2008 335i. I replace both the main chain along with the oil pump chain and guides.
This video also includes oil pan gasket and front crank seal instructions.
Links to all the videos referenced and the specialty tools used:
Valve cover gasket DIY
• BMW N54 Valve Cover Ga...
Subframe DIY
• Every E90 Owner Eventu...
Playlist covering all the other videos referenced
• BMW N54 Cam Ledge Tray...
Tools used:
Crank seal tool
amzn.to/3mytfcC (affiliate)
Cam lock tool
amzn.to/33ISrED (affiliate)
amzn.to/2FAyZ5g (affiliate)
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[@ludak83]

After watching these videos, I regret selling my n54 every day. This content deserves way more subscribers than 45k.

[@indianboy0453]

Still a lot of work, but this guy makes it so easy. Brand new subscriber! This guy is slowly changing my views on bmw engineering.

[@ludak83]

@@indianboy0453 He makes it look easy, but none of this stuff is easy at all. :)

[@markt9438]

@@ludak83 I notice 2 things ! Patients and Never Get Annoyed ,the sign of a Great Teacher !!! Love it

[@MrMoLucky]

I just purchased a 2009 E93 335i BECAUSE I’m confident with his channel’s content; I’ll be able fix almost anything and avoid most of the BMW repair tax

[@dylandorsey1721]

The things I have learned from watching you for years, have put a roof over my head and food in my stomach! I truly thank you for the content and respect you as an individual! God bless you... keep doing you!

[@justinross2380]

Nice, just did all of this over the past week. Nearly done with my complete disassembly and rebuild - can't wait to drive it again after 16 weeks. Love the content, you're one of my favorite channels.

[@E92_450ss]

#1 GO TO FOR N54 DIYS. APPRECIATE ALL THE INFORMATIVE VIDEOS.

[@alexr.9623]

Hats off to you man, this is some serious work. I'm just starting to learn my way around the n55 and watching you pull this off encourages me to work on mine.

[@jhncvngh]

Glad to see I wasn't the only one without a torque wrench appropriate for the windage tray bolts! I torqued by feel with those as well and seeing you do it the same way gives me a lot more confidence in my engine. Cheers!

[@markd4488]

Great series! Perfect camera shots and narration.

[@jared_grey]

Amazing work. The final result sounds like a brand new engine. Love it.

[@SteveWeltman]

You're' correct... It purrs. Like when it was new. I had NO idea that the N54 had separate cam and oil pump chains. So glad this video is here. I might get brave to try this sometime after less invasive options have been exhausted (and I actually have time to work on my N54 09 E90)

[@Steveindajeep]

Love watching you and M539 restorations work lol

[@splitfingerjoe]

Your work is super awesome. I am sure these videos will help many people, including me. Thanks a lot!

[@jasonh728]

Like watching a master mechanic, car sounded sweet looking forward to seeing the first drive out

[@markt9438]

Test Drive is worth waiting for ! Nice and Smooth ,well Done !

[@flexspec]

this was calming and rewarding at the same time

[@Technician586]

4K And camera skills make this video that much better, another sweet video without a doubt.

[@vasiliystoyanov8785]

Hey brother your videos are top quality I've done all my work following g your day guides I appreciate what you do and want to say thank you for teaching me so much about the amazing n54 keep it up hope all is well!

[@crenshaw4372]

Amazing video, really helpful ! I'm doing the timing as well on my N52 engine and its the same exact procedure. Keep up with the good work !

[@davidmush9999]

Hell yeah man! So glad you got out of this without internal damage!

[@VehicularDIY]

Thanks!

[@Megurin88]

I really appreciate the video you make!! its extremely helpful for n54 owners out there including me!😁 thank you so much!

[@VehicularDIY]

Glad to help!

[@coolstory92]

Nice work man. Glade to see everything went well. The best feeling is going for that first drive.

[@VehicularDIY]

Yeah I've been driving it every day since for the last week.

[@altink8823]

awesome work as always

[@colinng9113]

I'll be happy to send my car for him to do engine rebuild, his work looks top notch..

[@Scorpionauto]

Great video. I will soon be doing my ch & rbs on my s55 once I finish sourcing tools, all similar process.

[@heathgouthro]

2007 335i 200,000 kms i just rolled in a set of king rod bearings using your video new timing chains and guides and oil pump chains and guides your vidio was very easy to follow it helped me step by step with torque specs and vvt crank lock bolt stage 2 walbro in tank fuel pump pheonix aluminum intake with 550cc in injectors BMS WMI 7bms injectors new index12 injectors new Eldor coils NGK sparks JB4 new cam ledges and seals new hydraulic lifters new vanos valves DocRace 6266 precision singe turbo kit with 7.5 inch FMI from MAGA HKS blow off valve and charge pipe . i should be finished by spring no money left for mods but i will have to Dyno Tune in spring limited resources because i live in Toronto Canada

[@pilosopo25]

Another awesome content!!!

[@JSarmiento.]

Wow. Great DIY skills. Glad you were able to save your E90. Cheers.

[@marcwonnacott3286]

Thanks for the helpfully video. Have been using these to do the work on my engine.

[@herlegz6969]

Great vid! You should do one just showing all the tools and their uses needed for N54/5 work

[@Karl-by6ub]

Nice work 👍🏻 Super smooth running engine too 👍🏻

[@SteveWeltman]

You make this 'scary as F*' repair look humanly do-able for the DIY'er. Still a bit scary but I have a step by step mentor to get me there. Your channel is amazing. Thank you always for your content.

[@in54ne82]

Great work and saving that engine 👏

[@italianjob-vx6hp]

Nice work!

[@josepho]

Great series!

[@BimmerHausPerformance]

Dude, I can forgive the gray rtv, but not those plaid pajama bottoms 🤣 awesome video as always!

[@SteveWeltman]

Have you seen the white socks under the flip flops yet? Where are the style police when you need them... :D

[@reginald8405]

Best video ever, I have a much better idea on how the timing chain removal works. Thank you!

[@Nico_335i_DCT]

Very nice! Dutch regards, Nico.

[@jorgex1604]

Thanks for taking the effort to record and share all of this! Ps. after torqueing the bolts that needed an additional angle of tightening.. was this done this by estimate? or does your digital torque wrench also support an angle setting? I have an analog torque wrench so am not totally sure how to do this. thanks. Regards from the Netherlands.

[@philippehabashi5167]

Excellent Video

[@garygrenier]

I did the same with my Front Main seal a couple of years ago on my 535. Used Permatex Ultra Black oil resistant and still no leaks!!

[@DeeferStratus]

I have watched so many of your videos, I feel like I know you. Thank you for making all the content you have on this platform! Anyway, quick question: How much did this repair cost you, all together?

[@yungsaile]

Long story short, my belt got sucked into the crankshaft and of course got into the pick up tube and all over the pan. Come to find out the guides broke too. So! This guide is so helpful right now to get started with replacing everything but the oil pump. I got the timing and oil pump chain kits, new crankshaft seal, vc and pan gaskets, I think I'm ready to rock n roll on this! Thank you so much for your content!! p.s. I'm running on the N55 E90 platform

[@nahtannoJv8]

Hi, how did it go? I had to do the timing in my n55 but once I put everything together and attempt to rotate the engine it is not possible and can not complete 1 revolution on the f30 n55. Do you have any advice?

[@yungsaile]

@@nahtannoJv8 It's not wanting to turn? Did you inspect the rest of the engine checking to see if the rods, pistons, etc are good while you had the valve cover and front seal off?

[@nahtannoJv8]

@@yungsaile the engine was running before I took things apart. I was doing the oil sump gasket. that's when I found a piece of plastic in the sump. and upon inspection, I saw that the oil pump tensioner was just broken. While I was there I decided to do the timing components as well . since the engine was running fine. I did not even bother to turn the engine manually(my mistake). but when using the timing tool for the n55 the camshafts did not align in place. I thought maybe the timing is off. never had a check engine light until that moment. Now that I replaced the timing chain and use the timing tool and had the crankshaft in TDC using the locking pin.The engine turns but can not complete 1 full revolution. At first, I thought the engine is not turning because I left the car in first gear So I put it in neutral later I had someone press the clutch and still can not complete the revolution. then change the TDC by a few degrees and I still can not complete 1 full revolution manually. just when I am about to make it gets stuck. pistons valves seem fine. but no way to tell unless I do a compression test or something. and rn I am just trying to gather patience to go back at it lol

[@yungsaile]

@@nahtannoJv8 Oh I know the feeling of trying to regain patience to figure out the issue lol but dang even I'm left in a strut trying to figure out what it could possibly be. If I recall my oil pump tensioner/guide did indeed break too and found within the oil pan along with the shreds of the serpentine belt. As time consuming as it is, I think starting at the beginning a little to backtrack and retrace steps is what I would do (done that so many times on other projects). What happened to your car to do this project if you don't mind me asking?

[@kennynguyen2651]

A whole new engine!

[@nitolin]

Great video thanks You have a new subscriber . I take my car to my mechanic because I he told me that my vacuum pump fail . When he was trying to replaced noticed that my chain retainers were melted and need to replaced the all thing inside . Thanks this video give an idea for what my mechanic got it go through and eh was correct on everything that he told me that he need to remove in order to get access to it ,👍🏼👍🏼

[@jannathan9926]

Did you use the same vanos gear bolts? Or did you get new ones? I'm thinking of using the same ones with loctite. Not sure if it's a good idea.

[@tecitez16]

Excellent job man. Its definitely an involved job but it looks straightforward. Easier then setting up timing on a quad camed car.

[@VehicularDIY]

Thanks, yeah considering you just need to lock the top and bottom and torque down the crank bolt it seemed really easy. You don't have to 2nd guess if you are one tooth off.

[@project9s888]

Hey quick question, after timing and spinning engine to ensure timing, do you hear a clicking/clunking noise as you manually spin the engine? I hear this is normal, wondering if you heard it as well.

[@AX5Z]

That was a scarily long first crank. Good job.

[@chris88331]

hey just wanted to ask how would you find time if your chain comes off for the valves barcode up and use timing tool but what about finding compression stroke vs exhaust with piston 1 TDC how can i tell?? also is it necessary to replaces all guides and slides for chain? any help would be appreciated been watching you for a long time always good content.

[@mouradhamann2148]

Good job

[@giobucks6498]

How do we get timing right if changed chain before locking underneath on 2011 535i

[@jigsawinventions]

I admire your work man! Where do you learn these things and the extra steps? You are doing awesome work for a DIYer like myself, thank you!

[@VehicularDIY]

Thanks! I got a lot of info from newtis.info

[@luis4210]

Thank you

[@ericnguyen2217]

can you please do a tutorial on how to replace the starter? having trouble with removing the bolt holding the starter in place

[@mikepagan6300]

Great video. Where did u list the tools needed?

[@bimmertec]

awesome 👌 God bless great job

[@einstienem]

Would you recommend all of these steps on an N52 that "ate" it's serpentine belt through the crankshaft seal then popped the timing chain?

[@camilledilegno8242]

Godd job, what brand do you used for timing chain ?

[@jd14610]

When torqueing crank hub, what breaker bar did you use? 3/4 in? How long?

[@Dolaposule]

Hey thanks for all the vids. The same thing happened to my n54 and I used your vid to put it back together. I ran into a problem after...crank, no start. Pulled the VC off, locked the flywheel with the pin, and spun the crank manually to tdc to check timing and noticed one of the cams isn't at tdc anymore (it turned 180 degrees ) Any thoughts on how to get that cam back to tdc, without having to do the whole job again ? lol

[@jagathperera9763]

Good job thank you your spot

[@tspark1071]

Great. Didn't know whether this engine repair is possible without removing it from the car. Valvetronic relates to the timing chain?

[@Lu-e]

I know the both sprockets have their intake and exhaust mark, but when you install them do you have to put them in a certain orientation?

[@watfordbadshahscricketclub9730]

Had you inspected your Rod Bearings, you probably would have saved the engine. Are you using the BMW recommended oil? Have you looked into Redline 5w50 like Troy has suggested?

[@Itsnotimportantbud]

What a great series, I subscribed right away!! Hows the car feeling and holding up since all the work?! And how many miles you got on her currently?? Thanks for all your hard work and dedication!!

[@VehicularDIY]

Thanks! It's driving great, have put only about 1K miles.

[@kylehanaway1613]

In awe

[@philtechGT3]

Great video ! But you didn't show you align the phasers ?

[@Lu-e]

Hey I was wondering. What a good oil to go with when doing you oil change on an 08 335i N54? My engine has 129,300 miles

[@borderm3]

Any luck with the RTV, indy shop here and we always use the bmw primer and loctite sealant with the syringe.

[@boost7236]

Hey bro I have a question , so I’m at DTC with the flywheel locked and with the pin also , but I removed the hex bolt without locking the crankhub .. what should I do now?

[@nmers1]

I wish I could just pay you to do mine lol, amazing work !

[@tecitez16]

I can't recall if you had left the helix overdrive in or not. I'm pulling the plug on mine and just going port injection, seems alot safer.

[@georgen9838]

There is no way to know if the can ledges are using the upgraded teflon seals without removing them, right? If we're going to remove them anyway, how much out of this series of videos would you recommend doing while we're in there as preventive maintenance for cars that would need it (say, >120k mi N54 E90s)?

[@josephbonilla5910]

New in your CHANEL super helpful thanks you

[@N54SZN]

Crazy this whole time I have been watching your videos and I was looking at the blower motor video and then I was curious what the first video you posted was and I never knew this whole time you had a E30 M3 what a gem I bet you miss that and also I was curious of what ethnicity you are

[@Lawgive1234]

Thanks

[@175dell]

What symptoms were you having that made you change the timing chain? I have an F30 w/ an n55, its about to hit 200k miles. My car runs fine but I think I may be getting a subtle whine sound from the oil pump. Not sure. I'm a big proponent for replacing parts like this early before they fail. Not sure of the life span of the chain guides. I know the n20 guides like to fail early.

[@DaBossCross]

Excellent video! I'm getting ready to do my oil pan gasket and decided to do my rod bearings while i'm in there. Did you reuse the bolt for the oil pump gear? I can't find that particular bolt anywhere so i'm assuming it's reused. Thanks!

[@VehicularDIY]

Thanks! Yes I reused it.

[@matthias_372]

I like your torque wrench, can you let us know what make and model it is?

[@coooooool12342]

What was that screw that required the effort of Zeus to torque?

[@ChrisChaos209]

Mad respect brotha! Idk what u do for a living but u should think about opening a shop or doing indy work out of ur garage 🤘🏼😝

[@bradpyron8928]

How do I get the chance honoring my 2013 BMW 535i GT timing chain replacement?

[@TheAmiles1988]

Can the oil pump chain and and guide be replaced alone?

[@boost7236]

Have a link to the timing chain kit?

[@nickbrue00]

Would this work on a N53 engine? 2008 328i

[@michael_n5479]

After replacing vanos solenoids I still keep getting the code , question is you think this would solve the problem ? Turbos only work for a couple seconds after restarting car , then seconds later the car is just N/a

[@apriliaracing7]

That's crazy where the helix caused the oil chain to break and I heard about this happening, but never saw it first hand. I have a helix 3x overdrive which I recently installed, but I only have 50k miles on my car. I also couldn't find anything online about anyone else having this issue because of the helix. I know they since added the support bracket and plate because of the stock plates breaking due to the pivotal weight with the helix and HPFP in line. But based on that, do you think it might have caused the failure because I know you were running the helix without the additional plate and support bracket. Is it possible that without those additions, the weight and movement from driving could have flexed the gear and guides enough over time to cause damage?

[@raceday-iy7vm]

Great video bro im glad you got your n54 running again, I got a question for you I just got a charge pipe for my 335 my car is automatic tho what spring do you recommend is the 11 psi good or should I use a 10 psi spring?

[@VehicularDIY]

Thanks, this for a Tial BOV?

[@raceday-iy7vm]

@@VehicularDIY yeah it's a 50mm tial blow off valve what do you think?

[@machtschnell7452]

Well done. I predict your next garage will have a lift. Silicon sealing of crank seal should be no problem since you did not gloop it on in excess.

[@VehicularDIY]

Yeah I typically frown upon using RTV on crank or rear main seals as if you install them correctly you shouldn't need any but the N54 has a bed plate and you have to use sealant anyway. With the pan dropped I had clear access to see if any excess RTV would have made it through the other side so I felt comfortable using it.

[@BeatTheD3viL]

veery nice quality of video. 🍻

[@bingbongap5558]

I have my engine out of the car, and with it on a stand I dont have the ability to have the flywheel on, can I still do this properly without locking the flywheel since it isn't on the engine currently?

[@zyrofillic]

nice series! towards the end i noticed you are still using the stock DVs on your dynamic autowerx stage 3 turbos and 25psi. Hows it holding?

[@VehicularDIY]

Thanks! I have upgraded the diverter vales to some cheap aftermarket ones, you'll find a video on my channel for it. I have state 2+ turbos which are still doing great and the aftermarket DVs are holding 25 psi without issue.

[@briandent5460]

Can you pull the head with engine still in car ?

[@iyafyasbuildhounds6240]

One time use parts ?

[@piotrkosek727]

Super robota , ale powinieneś wymienić też chlodnicę oleju . Mogły wpaść tam jakieś opiłki , a nie ma szans żeby dobrze je z tamtąd usunąć.(you oil cooler replayce )

[@dannyto9184]

I've got question about the locking pin for the crankshaft. When you're tightening the crankshaft bolt, do you keep the locking pin in place when counter holding the crankshaft hub?

[@tykendrick800]

if anybody see this, no dont use the locking pin to hold the crank. i learned the hard wat. use pin only for holding tdc for other work that require tdc. my locking pin is bent and stuck inside the engine case after undoing the crank bolt. use the crank holder kit or buy the crank hub holder tool

[@alexgonzalez7395]

What’s up brotha, the chain shouldn’t have any tension correct?

[@hussaynjivraj2184]

Hey dude, great video as usual, which grey RTV sealant did you use? Any specific brand? I have to do this on my N54 this week

[@VehicularDIY]

Hey its called Ultra Grey by permatex.

[@hussaynjivraj2184]

@@VehicularDIY thanks so much man hope you're well!

[@heathgouthro]

i did notice you didn't mark the vanos gears will the install affect the way the gears operate heath

[@cuttthroatperformance2752]

I have the same question

[@josephcastellan487]

hey man whats going on im really hoping you can help lol i have a 2007 335i 113k and im getting 002A99 and 002A98 it turns on but really rough idle i wanted to check if the time is correct but ive never for on a n54 how can i check the timing? is there a mark on the camshafts and a mark on the bottom? anything helps lol thanks!

[@VehicularDIY]

Hey, typically you'd need the tool for that but if you put cylinder one at TDC and pop the valve cover off the camshafts would be both in a position where the square tool can fit over it. So there are two flat edges on each camshaft they'd be at 90 degrees.

[@josephcastellan487]

@@VehicularDIY thank you very much and for the bottom? the crankshaft?

[@yojamflores6238]

How did the engine rtv hold up around the crank seal any notable leaks after replacing or is it dry

[@VehicularDIY]

Its completely dry.

[@ia3423]

Hi, do you use guides to do all these jobs, if so where can i get them? Great video!

[@VehicularDIY]

Thanks! I get most of the info from newtis.info.